Retro Gaming Weekly News #0039

Happy easter Monday for those of you that celebrate it. I hope you are enjoying some chocolate, time off work and some retro gaming (or maybe all three). 26 years ago today for the Sony Playstation, a genre-defining RPG was launched – in my opinion, probably the best of its kind. See if you can guess it from the riddle (answer at the bottom).

In this game, a hero with spiky hair and a giant sword,

Fights against Shinra, the evil corporation’s horde.

With a team of friends, he battles through a fantastic story,

Saving the planet from Sephiroth’s ultimate glory.

News

Rumours suggest that the infamous and widely mocked “Zelda” games released on the Philips CD-i console are being remastered for the Nintendo Switch, offering players a chance to revisit the cult-classics with updated visuals and improved gameplay [Nintendo Life]. Link

Discover the mysterious and challenging Japanese role-playing game, “SaGa Frontier,” which first appeared on the Super Famicom in 1997 [Yahoo! Entertainment], and why it’s making a comeback on modern consoles. Link

Get ready to relive your childhood (or your parents) with the Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster series, bringing back the original classics with revamped 2D graphics and a fresh coat of paint [N-Europe]. Link

To celebrate the release of the “Tetris” movie, gamers can now access the secret “Level 30” and “Level 40” in the classic game on various platforms (Tetris Effect), featuring new visuals and music [GameSpot]. Link

An ex-Rare developer explains the origin and inspiration behind the creation of the various environments and settings in the classic video game “Donkey Kong Country” [GoNintendo]. Link

Get ready for some retro action with “Xeno Crisis,” a new video game released for the GameCube and Nintendo 64 that takes players on an exciting sci-fi adventure filled with aliens and intense combat [Ruetir]. Link

Fans of Rare’s classic titles for the Nintendo 64 console can rejoice as co-founder Tim Stamper teases the development cartridge for “Dream 64,” a cancelled project that could have been a hit game on the system [My Nintendo News]. Link

Exciting video game news surfaces as leaked footage allegedly showcases a reboot of Sega’s classic “Jet Set Radio” and a remake of “Persona 3,” two beloved titles that could be making a comeback soon [My Nintendo News]. Link

Gamers can now use retro Nintendo controllers with their Nintendo Switch thanks to the Raspberry Pi Pico W, a new microcontroller that allows users to program and connect classic controllers to the Switch wirelessly [Tom’s Hardware]. Link

Sega sparks controversy among Sonic fans as they remind them that Tails, Sonic’s sidekick, technically died 30 years ago in the game “Sonic the Hedgehog 2,” and has been a ghost ever since [TheGamer]. Link

 

Features

Get ready to become a Super Mario expert with these 30 key facts about the beloved video game character, including his origin, abilities, and even his favourite food [It’s A Stampede]. Link

Rediscover “Axelay,” one of Konami’s classic shoot ’em up games for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), that was overshadowed by other titles in the company’s library, but still remains a hidden gem [Destructoid]. Link

Travel back in time and learn about the fascinating history of “The Legend of Zelda” franchise, from its early beginnings and development to its evolution and influence on video game culture [GamesRadar]. Link

t the inside scoop on the Super Mario Bros. movie as its creators discuss their vision for bringing the beloved video game characters to the big screen, including their approach to humour, music, and staying true to the spirit of the games [CNET]. Link

Get a dose of nostalgia as the upcoming Super Mario Bros. movie is filled with references and Easter eggs from the classic video games, including familiar characters, items, and even sound effects [Den of Geek]. Link

Discover some of the forgotten and unusual sports video games from the past, including titles like “ESPN Extreme Games” and “Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater,” that introduced gamers to unique and exciting sports they might not have otherwise tried [GameRant]. Link

Lists and Rankings

Discover the top 25 best Mario games of all time, including classics like “Super Mario Bros.” and “Super Mario 64,” as well as newer releases like “Super Mario Odyssey” and “Super Mario 3D World” [MSN]. Link

We are taking a look at the Top 20 N64 games ever, and sharing some intersting facts [RetroShell]. IG TikTok

Take a look back at some of the worst video games based on cartoon franchises, including infamous titles like “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” and “The Simpsons Wrestling,” that left fans disappointed and frustrated with their poor gameplay and lack of quality [CBR]. Link

The game in the riddle was Final Fantasy VII!

That’s all for this week’s video game newsletter! From leaked footage of “Jet Set Radio” and “Persona 3” remakes to the creation of the Super Mario Bros. movie, there’s been plenty of exciting news in the gaming world. Whether you’re a fan of classic titles or new releases, there’s always something to look forward to. So, grab some snacks, fire up your console or computer, and have fun playing some great games!